Hundreds of Uzbek citizens stranded in Qatar amid flight disruptions

Hundreds of Uzbek citizens are stranded in Qatar due to temporary airspace closures and multiple international flight cancellations following a series of explosions in major cities on February 28, according to the Embassy of Uzbekistan.

On February 28, 48 Uzbek citizens were unable to leave Hamad International Airport in Doha, Caliber.Az reports via Uzbek media.

Embassy staff promptly arrived to assist, and after negotiations, the travellers were accommodated in local hotels. Once Qatar’s airspace reopens and flights resume, they will be able to return home.

As of March 1, around 600 Uzbek nationals were in Qatar, including 31 embassy staff and their families, approximately 40 students studying in Doha, 250 temporary workers, and 270 tourists and others. No injuries related to regional incidents have been reported among them.

The embassy emphasised that flight cancellations represent an extraordinary situation affecting citizens of multiple countries and are due to limited airline capacities. The diplomatic mission continues to safeguard the interests of Uzbek citizens and provide necessary assistance.

The closures followed a series of explosions in major cities on February 28, prompting partial airspace restrictions in Qatar and the UAE. The attacks targeted facilities linked to the US military presence in the region.

By Jeyhun Aghazada